Golden Alexanders, Golden zizia
Zizia aurea
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Zizia aurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Moist meadowland. Dry woods and rocky outcrops. Low woods in Texas.
Eastern N. America - Quebec to Saskatchewan and south to Texas and Florida..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flowers, with the main stem removed, are a welcome addition to a tossed green salad. They are also a delicious cooked vegetable when used in a similar manner to broccoli.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A tea made from the root is febrifuge. The root is also believed to be vulnerary and hypnotic.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Hypnotic: Induces sleep.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Requires a moist soil and a position in full sun. Suitable for the wild garden and other informal plantings as well as collections of native wild flowers. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. An evergreen. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but it is probably best sown in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
There is a report that the root might be toxic.